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Tim Clark knows a thing or two about being the underdog going into The Everest but he’s quietly confident Shoals will surprise a few people come October 13.

Jockey Tim Clark . (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The in-form jockey, who rode $51 chance Tulip into fifth in the inaugural Everest, made the trip to Cranbourne on Tuesday to partner the three time Group 1 winner to victory in an 800m trial that also contained stablemate and Everest runner Santa Ana Lane.

It was the first time Clark had sat on the four-year-old since they combined to win the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) in Adelaide back in May and he gave her rave reviews.

“I haven’t had much to do with her so it was nice to get back on her,’’ he said.

“Anthony (Freedman) and the team have a better idea on how she’s going but from what I felt in the trial I was rapt with what she did.

“It’s nice to have that opportunity to ride her in such a big race. I’m definitely looking forward to the next couple of months.’’

Shoals, who will race in the slot owned by The Star, finished strongly late to down Angelic Spirit with Inglis’ Everest runner Santa Ana Lane the closest of third after leading the trial.

Both horses are on the $15 line of betting with TAB for the $13 million feature at Royal Randwick behind Trapeze Artist ($4.50).

Clark said Shoals is the type of horse that can adapt to whatever situation unfolds in a race and that makes her a good ride in a high-pressure race like The Everest.

“She doesn’t have too many chinks in her armour,’’ he said.

“She goes on any surface, different distances, back or forward, she’s a versatile mare and obviously very good to do what she did as a three-year-old.